Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Jarvis.
Hi Kimberly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! Thanks for letting us share our story!
For nearly four decades, the Buckeye Book Fair, tucked right in the heart of Wooster, Ohio, has been connecting readers with the amazing writers and illustrators who shape Ohio’s literary landscape. Our mission is simple but powerful: to promote Ohio’s authors and illustrators, celebrate creativity, and inspire a lifelong love of reading among Ohioans.
It all started back in 1986, when the Buckeye Authors Book Fair Committee, Inc. was formed as a project of Wooster’s own The Daily Record newspaper. In November 1987, the very first Buckeye Book Fair opened its doors, offering something rare and special: a place where readers could meet Ohio authors face-to-face and discover the stories that make our state shine. Over the years, we’ve grown, first with the support of The Daily Record, then under the care of The Wooster Book Company in 2001. Thanks to strong leadership and a passionate community, we expanded our programs between 2012 and 2019, adding the Young Authors Conference, illustration workshops, and author visits that bring the joy of books directly to hundreds of students each year.
When 2020 threw the world a curveball, we didn’t slow down. We pivoted to a Virtual Book Fair to keep readers and Ohio authors connected. By 2021, we were back in person, bigger and better than ever—with new programs like Buckeye Book Camp, Buckeye Book Crawl, and partnerships with Ohio’s incredible colleges and universities.
Today, the Buckeye Book Fair is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets—but we’re ready to share it with the world! Set for Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Greystone Event Center in Wooster, the Fair brings together New York Times bestselling illustrators like Richard Cowdrey, beloved authors like Loren Long and Amanda Flower, and so many more. Whether you’re searching for children’s books, young adult adventures, or gripping non-fiction, you’ll find something—and someone—you love.
And we’re not just a one-day event anymore. Programs like the Student Lit Day, Young Authors Conference, Buckeye Book Camp, and discounted books for teachers and librarians help us fuel a passion for reading all year long. Backed by supporters like the Ohio Arts Council and Arts Midwest, the Buckeye Book Fair has grown into a national model for promoting literacy while keeping that warm, small-town spirit that started it all.
We believe books change lives. We protect and uplift our authors and illustrators and we hold firm to the idea that everyone deserves the freedom to read, to imagine, and to tell their stories.
Spread the word—this is more than a book fair. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring magic of books.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Buckeye Book Fair has come a long way—and like any good story, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In the early days, building a brand-new event from scratch took enormous heart, grit, and a deep belief in the power of books to build community. There were financial hurdles, changes in leadership, and the ever-present task of growing our reach while staying true to our roots. When the sponsorship shifted in 2001, we proudly took on the responsibility of operating independently, relying on the strength of our volunteers, partners, and the unwavering loyalty of Ohio’s readers. And when the world changed in 2020, we adapted quickly, launching a virtual fair to keep our literary family connected during uncertain times.
Today, we stand proud at the forefront of what truly feels like the golden age of book fairs. There are now several wonderful fairs throughout Ohio, and we’re honored to have helped lead the way. Yet through all the change and growth, the Buckeye Book Fair remains a favorite among authors, illustrators, and readers alike. Why? Because we’ve held fast to what makes us special: a personal touch you simply won’t find anywhere else.
At Buckeye Book Fair, we offer more than just a chance to buy books—we create lasting memories. Families like Max and Tami Wohlford, who returned year after year to have their books personally signed, embody the spirit of what we do. We have readers who first came to the Fair as young parents, hand-in-hand with their little ones—and now, all these years later, those same children are bringing their own kids to experience the magic. Our spacious, accessible venue at the Greystone Event Center allows every visitor to have real, one-on-one conversations with the writers and illustrators they love, forging connections that last a lifetime.
As we move forward, we carry our legacy with pride. The Buckeye Book Fair remains the most personal book fair in the nation—a place where every story matters, every voice is celebrated, and generations of readers continue to find joy, inspiration, and community through books. We can’t wait for you to be part of the next chapter with us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I feel incredibly lucky to do the work I do. As Executive Director of the Buckeye Book Fair, I specialize in creating opportunities for readers to connect with the authors and illustrators who shape our literary world. I’m passionate about promoting literacy, supporting Ohio’s creative talent, and making sure our programs are welcoming and accessible to everyone.
What I’m most proud of is helping to usher the Buckeye Book Fair into a new chapter of growth and impact. We’ve not only weathered the challenges of the pandemic, but we’ve expanded—offering new programs like the Buckeye Book Camp, partnering more deeply with schools and universities, and creating a literary event that remains deeply personal and accessible. Seeing a child light up meeting their favorite author or hearing from families who’ve been coming to the Fair for generations reminds me why this work matters so much.
I truly believe that books and reading save lives. They bring explanation to the world in every sense. Nonfiction writers help us connect the dots in our interests or struggles by building bridges between what we’ve already learned and what we’re trying to understand. Fiction writers weave stories that help us escape, understand, or even find resonance with emotions and experiences that have often escaped our ability to articulate. I’ve seen firsthand how a single book can offer hope, healing, or new direction—and that conviction fuels everything I do.
What I hope sets me apart is my commitment to honoring tradition while embracing new ideas. I approach every project, partnership, and event with heart, humility, and a deep belief that stories have the power to bring people together in ways nothing else can. Every day, I am grateful to be part of a community that believes in the transformative magic of books.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If I could offer one piece of advice to those just starting out in business, it would be to stay true to your passion and purpose. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of what others are doing, or how things “should” look, but the heart of your work will always come from your genuine love for what you do. Whether you’re organizing an event, writing, or working in any creative field, that authentic connection to your mission will always keep you grounded and motivated, especially when challenges arise.
One thing I wish I had known when I was starting out is just how much patience and persistence are required. Success doesn’t always come quickly, and that’s okay. There will be moments when progress feels slow, but every step forward, no matter how small, is part of building something meaningful. Stay patient with yourself, and know that setbacks are often just opportunities to grow and learn.
The process can be a purpose because there are incredible people along the way. Those relationships are precious, never underestimate the power of collaboration and community. The connections you build early on—whether with colleagues, partners, or even those you serve—will be invaluable. Don’t be afraid to lean on others for support, advice, or simply to learn from their experiences. Working together makes everything richer and more impactful.
Lastly, take care of yourself along the way. It’s easy to pour everything into the work, but you can’t give your best if you’re not also taking time to recharge and reflect. Balance is key, even in the most passionate of pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BuckeyeBookFair.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckeyebookfair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeBookFair/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buckeye-authors-book-fair-committee-inc
- Twitter: https://x.com/buckeyebookfair
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buckeyebookfair
